Apparatus for storing a structure within an electronic device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus comprises an electronic apparatus adapted to reside in a bay of an electronic device having an interface adapted to engage a suitable structure. The electronic apparatus lacks the suitable connector to engage the device bay interface. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus comprises a chargeable structure adapted to reside in a bay of an electronic device and configured to couple to only a portion of an electrical interface in the device bay such that the chargeable structure is charged when it resides in the device bay. In a further embodiment, the apparatus comprises a storage structure adapted to reside in a bay of an electronic device having an interface adapted to engage a suitable structure. The storage structure lacks the suitable connector to engage the device bay interface. In an additional embodiment, a game controller comprises first and second portions comprising respective interfaces and a hinge configured to enable the portions to move with respect to one another.

BACKGROUND

As computers and other electronic devices have advanced, the types offunctions they are capable of performing has also evolved. For example,as portable and handheld computers have increased in processor power,screen resolution, and screen size, they have become capable offunctioning as multimedia platforms that may be used to play music,movies, or games. Similarly, digital cameras and camcorders may storevideo files which, when the device is connected to a television,monitor, or computer, may be played by the device. In the same way,music players and other audio playback devices may be used to playstored audio files on a connected computer or stereo system.

To the extent that a user may use these types of devices to performfunctions such as playing games, watching video, or listening to music,it may be desirable to provide the type of functionality or interface tousers that they normally associate with these activities. For example, auser may prefer a gaming experience using a game controller or interfacesimilar to that employed when using a dedicated gaming console.Similarly, a user watching video or listening to music stored on aportable electronic device may desire to use a familiar remote controlor interface.

However, to the extent that portable and handheld computers, as well asother types of portable electronic devices, are designed to be easilyand conveniently transported, it is inconvenient to carry separateequipment, such as controllers, cables, connectors, and so forth, withthe device. Similarly, to the extent that the portable electronicdevices may use insertable memory media, such as memory cards or sticks,it may be undesirable to carry additional, loose media with the device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of a portable computer and an insertablestructure, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of a handheld computer and an insertablestructure, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a remote control device configured to beinserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an embodiment of a remote control device configured to beinserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device and to becharged within the slot, in accordance with aspects of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a foldable game controller configured tobe inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts the foldable game controller of FIG. 5 being unfolded, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts the foldable game controller of FIG. 5 when unfolded, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an alternate embodiment of a game controller including astorable cable, in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of a storage structure configured to beinserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a cable storage structure configured tobe inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention; and

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of a battery charging structure configuredto be inserted into a peripheral card slot of an electronic device, inaccordance with aspects of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As discussed below, certain embodiments of the present inventioncomprise a technique for storing auxiliary equipment for use with anelectronic device, such as a portable or handheld computer, a personaldigital assistant (PDA), a digital camera or camcorder, an audio player(such a player configured to play files in accordance with a MotionPicture Experts Group, Audio Layer 3 (MP3) standard), or other consumerelectronic device. The teachings of the present invention take advantageof user-accessible peripheral or memory device bay(s) in the housing ofthe electronic device that are configured to interface with insertablecomponents or media, such as peripheral cards, storage devices, ormemory cards. For example, a device bay, as discussed herein, maycomprise one or more peripheral card slots, such as slots configures toreceive peripheral cards adhering to a Personal Computer Memory CardInternational Association (PCMCIA) standard or an express card standard.Similarly, a device bay may comprise slots adapted to engage and readvarious media, such as optical disks, magnetic disks, memory cards, orother memory media. Furthermore, a device bay may comprise a bay orcompartment configured to accommodate a storage device or reader, suchas optical and floppy disk drives or removable hard drives. According tothe teachings of the present invention, such a device bay, when notoccupied by the peripheral device, memory media, storage device, etc.for which it is configured, may instead be used to securely store otherstructures or equipment.

Turning to the figures, FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of an electronicdevice in the form of a portable computer 10, such as a laptop,notebook, or tablet computer. The housing 12 of the portable computer 10includes a variety of device bays configured to receive removablecomponents or media designed operate within the bay. For example, adevice bay may be configured to directly connect to a suitablyconfigured device, such as by an electrical interface, when the deviceis inserted into the bay. When so connected, the inserted device mayoperate with other components with which it is electrically connected,such as with a bus, memory, or processor in the interior of the portablecomputer 10. For example, the housing 12 includes one or more peripheralcard slots 14, such as PCMCIA or express card slots, that are configuredto electrically interface/connect with a peripheral card, such as anetwork adapter, modem, or removable hard drive. As will be appreciated,peripheral cards of this type are generally designed to provideincreased functionality to the portable computer 10 when inserted into arespective bay or slot such that they properly interface with arespective electrical connector when inserted into the bay. However,many structures such as, and without limitation, electronic apparatuses,storage containers, chargeable structures, etc., lack a suitableconnector to directly connect to the bay's interface, although they mayinteract with the electronic device via other communication avenues,e.g., wireless, a separate cable to connect to a dedicated outlet in thedevice housing, etc.

When the functionality provided by a peripheral card or other removabledevice is not needed, the corresponding bay, such as the depictedperipheral card slots 14, may be vacant. In such circumstances, thevacant bay is utilized, in accordance with embodiments of the presentinvention, to securely store other equipment or devices, such as thestructure 16, which are designed to be used remote from or outside ofthe bay. In particular, when not in use, the structure 16 is configuredto reside in a bay, where residing is defined to encompass beingretained in, fitting within, or being positionable entirely or mostlywithin the confines of the bay. When a user wishes to remove a structure16 residing in a bay, the structure 16 is ejected using the ejectionmechanism typically used to remove the peripheral card or otherremovable device for which the slot or bay is configured. Alternately,in other embodiments, the user simply pulls on the structure 16 withsufficient force to overcome the resistive or engaging force holding thestructure 16 within the bay, such as the peripheral card slot 14.

In one implementation, the structure 16 is an electronic apparatus, suchas a universal serial bus (USB) hub or an input device or a controldevice, that communicates with or connects to the portable computer 10,but not via the connectors present within the slot or bay in which it isstored. For example, the structure 16 may be a controller or other inputdevice which, when not stored within the bay, may communicate, withoutlimitation, with the portable computer 10 via wireless means, such asover the infrared or radio frequencies, or via a cable connection to adedicated interface in the housing of portable computer 10. Examples ofsome electronic apparatuses would be a remote control, a gamecontroller, and optical and non-optical mice.

In another embodiment, the structure 16 connects to the connector(s)within a respective bay, here depicted as peripheral card slots 14, in alimited manner, such as to charge a battery of structure 16. In oneexemplary embodiment, the limited connection between the structure 16and the connector(s) enables power, but not data, to pass between thestructure 16 and portable computer 10 or other electronic device. Inthis manner, a chargeable component of the structure 16, such as abattery, may charge from a battery of the portable computer 10 or frompower delivered to the portable computer 10, such as via an AC powercord plugged into an electrical outlet. In such an embodiment, thestructure 16 is charged when not in use, i.e., when stored in a devicebay, so that the charged structure 16 is ready for use (i.e., itsintended functionalities) when removed from the bay. For example, thecontroller or input device of the preceding example may include achargeable battery that is charged when stored in the bay via a limitedor dedicated connection to an electrical interface within the depictedperipheral card slots 14. In such a limited interface, no communicativeconnection exists between the structure 16 and the portable computer 10or other electronic device.

While the structure 16 may be an electronic device, as set forth in thepreceding examples, it may also be a simple mechanical structure, suchas a storage container. In such an embodiment, the structure 16 may beused to store any item capable of fitting into the structure 16. Forinstance, equipment for use with the portable computer 10 or with otherelectronic devices may be stored in this manner. For example, a storagestructure may be used to store a variety of memory media which may beread by the portable computer 10 or by another electronic device.Examples of such storable memory media include memory sticks, memorycards, including secure digital (SD) memory cards, multimedia cards(MMC), mini-optical disks, and so forth. Similarly, cable, such asnetwork, telephone, or USB cable usable with the portable computer 10 orwith other electronic devices, may be stored in a suitable structure 16.However, items unrelated to the use of the portable computer 10, such aspaper clips, rubber bands, gum, and so forth, may also be stored in thismanner so that a user may store and carry other items, even if notrelated to the use of the electronic device.

While the portable computer 10 depicted in FIG. 1 is one example of anelectronic device that may benefit from the teachings of the presentinvention, other electronic devices which have at least one device bay,such as peripheral or memory card slots, can also benefit. For example,referring now to FIG. 2, a portable electronic device, such as a PDA orhandheld computer 20, is depicted. The portable electronic deviceincludes a user-accessible device bay, such as a memory card slot or aperipheral card slot 14, which may be used for storage when slot 14 isvacant. Similarly, other electronic devices, such as MP3 and other audioplayers, digital cameras and camcorders, portable digital video disk(DVD) players, and so forth, may include compartments or bays for theinsertion of functional components or memory media which, when empty,may be used to store other equipment or media for use with the device oranother electronic device.

The following discussion provides examples of different structures 16which may exemplify or expand upon some of the concepts discussed above.For the purpose of illustration, the following examples will bediscussed in the context of storage within peripheral card slots,particularly PCMCIA card slots. However, in view of the precedingdiscussion, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that otherdevice bays are also contemplated for storing devices and structures inaccordance with the teachings of the present invention and that thefollowing examples are merely illustrative.

For example, referring now to FIG. 3, a remote control 30 is depictedthat is configured to be inserted and securely held within a PCMCIA cardslot, such as may be found on a portable or handheld computer. Inparticular, the remote control 30 includes spacers 32 which prevent theremote control 30 from contacting the electrical connectors located in aPCMCIA card slot. In this way, the connectors within the PCMCIA cardslot are not damaged by insertion and storage of the remote control 30into the slot. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the spacers 32 enable anejection mechanism found within a PCMCIA card slot to eject the remotecontrol 30 when the ejection mechanism is actuated.

In one embodiment, the remote control 30 of FIG. 3 runs on a battery anddoes not contact the connectors located within a device bay, e.g., aPCMCIA card slot. In another embodiment, however, the remote control 30may include receptacles or contacts on the spacers 32 which contactrespective power connectors at the end of the bay to enable rechargingof a battery of the remote control. In this embodiment, the spacers 32enable the remote control 30 to be charged when stored in a bay butprevent the remote control 30 from contacting other interface structureswithin the bay.

Similarly, referring now to FIG. 4, an alternative embodiment of achargeable remote control 40 is provided. As in the precedingembodiment, in this embodiment the chargeable remote control 40 isconfigured to be charged when stored within a device bay, e.g., a PCMCIAcard slot. In particular, the chargeable remote control 40 includes allor part of a charging interface 42 for coupling with connectors within aperipheral card slot. In the depicted embodiment, the charging interface42 does not include a full complement of receptacles or contacts forengaging the full set of available connectors 46 (depicted in FIG. 5) ofthe peripheral card slot 14. Instead, the charging interface 42 isconfigured to connect to some or all of the power pins 48 of thecomplementary peripheral card slot interface. In the depicted example,the chargeable remote control 40 includes power pin receptacles 44corresponding to the power pins of a peripheral card slot, that is, forexample, pins 1, 17, 34, 35, 51, and 68 of a PCMCIA card slot. In thisway, a battery or other chargeable medium within the chargeable remotecontrol 40 may be charged when control 40 is not in use and while storedin a peripheral card slot or other bay.

While remote controls represent one type of electronic apparatus thatmay be stored within a peripheral card slot or other bay of a portableelectronic device, other devices, such as USB hubs or other types ofcontrollers, may also be stored in this manner. For example, referringnow to FIG. 5, a foldable game controller 50 is depicted. The depictedgame controller comprises a first portion 52 and a second portion 54connected by a hinge 56. When the two portions 52 and 54 are folded intoa closed position, as depicted in FIG. 5, the game controller 50 isinsertable into a pair of vacant peripheral card slots 14. When removedfrom the peripheral card slots 14 the two portions 52 and 54 of the gamecontroller 50 may be unfolded to an open position, as depicted in FIG.6, to reveal a game control interface 59, as depicted in FIG. 7. In thedepicted embodiment, the game control interface 59 includes action andpause buttons 60 and a directional control 62, such as a joystickinterface. The depicted game controller 50 communicates with a suitablegaming device, such as a portable or handheld computer, via wirelessmeans. In this embodiment, the game controller 50 includes acompartment, such as hinge compartment 58, within which a battery isinserted to power the game controller 50. In the depicted embodiment,one or more charging interfaces 42, such as discussed above inconnection with FIG. 4, are provided to charge the battery of gamecontroller 50 when stored in the peripheral card slots 14. Inparticular, the power pin receptacles 44 of the charging interface 42engage some or all of the respective power pins 48 of the availableconnectors 46. In other embodiments, the charging interfaces 42 may beabsent and the battery is replaced by the user as needed instead ofbeing charged when stored in a respective bay.

Alternatively, in another embodiment, a cable-connected game controller64 is provided, as depicted in FIG. 8. In this embodiment, a cable 66and connector 68, such as a USB connector, may be stored in the hingecompartment 58. In the depicted embodiment, the cable-connected gamecontroller 64 is powered through the cable 66 when the connector 68 isinserted into a complementary receptacle of a gaming device, such as aportable or handheld computer. In other embodiments, the cable-connectedgame controller 64 may be battery-powered and/or chargeable, asdescribed above. Elsewise, it will be appreciated by one skilled in theart that cable 66 and connector 68 does not have to be stored in hingecompartment 58 but may instead be stored as desired within the gamecontroller 64.

While controllers and other input devices represent one type ofapparatus which may be inserted for storage within a bay of anelectronic device, other types of devices and/or structures may alsostored in this manner. For example, a storage structure 70 configured tobe stored in a slot or bay of an electronic device is depicted in FIG.9. The storage structure 70 encloses a storage space 72, which can beaccessed by moving all or part of a movable section 74 of the storagestructure housing. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a hingedmovable section 74 of the storage structure housing is such that themovable section 74 may be flipped between open and closed positions. Inother embodiments, the movable section 74 may be configured to slidebetween open and closed positions or may be configured to move in otherways known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The accessible storage space 72 may be used to store media, such asmemory cards or memory sticks, for use with a reader of the electronicdevice or another electronic device. Though the storage of memory mediais one possibility, in practice, any item or items of interest capableof fitting into the storage structure 70 may be stored by a user. Forexample, replacement parts, such as screws, nuts, bolts, etc., forequipment may be stored in the storage space 72. Similarly, officesupplies, such as paper clips, rubber bands, adhesive flags, and soforth, may be stored in the storage space 72 if a user so desires.

Likewise, in one embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, a cable storagestructure 80 is provided which is configured to be stored in a slot orbay of an electronic device. The depicted cable storage structure 80 isconfigured to store at least one type of cable 82, such as networkcable, telephone cable, USB cable, and so forth. When in use, the storedcable 82 is withdrawn from the cable storage structure 80 and used toconnect respective sockets or plugs that the connectors 84 areconfigured to fit. In the depicted embodiment, the cable 82 isaccessible when the cable storage structure 80 is stored in a slot orbay of an electronic device, though this need not be the case in allembodiments.

In an additional exemplary embodiment, a charging structure 90 isprovided. The charging structure 90 includes a charging interface 42that may be used to connect to some or all of the power pins of aperipheral card slot, such as a PCMCIA slot, or other power connectorsin the bay into which the charging structure 90 is inserted. In thedepicted embodiment, the charging structure 90 includes a batteryreceptacle 92 configured to receive one or more batteries 94 forcharging. The depicted charging structure 90 also includes a batteryejection mechanism, which is activated by the ejection button 96, tofacilitate the unloading of the battery 94 from the structure 90. Inother embodiments, no ejection mechanism may be provided other than theforce applied by a user to overcome a resistive force holding thebattery 94 in the charging structure 90.

While the preceding examples provide some idea of the scope and varietyof storable structures encompassed by the present technique, it is toobe understood that these examples are merely illustrative and are notintended to exclusively list the range of possibilities. Indeed, one ofordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other storable structuresencompassing other functionalities than those presently described arewithin the scope of the present disclosure.

1. An apparatus, comprising: an electronic apparatus adapted to residein a bay of an electronic device, the device bay having an interfaceadapted to engage a suitable connector, the electronic apparatus lackingsaid suitable connector to engage the device bay interface, wherein theelectronic apparatus is not an USB hub.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the electronic apparatus comprises a control device configuredto function with the electronic device.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2,wherein the control device comprises one from the group comprising aremote control and a game controller.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the electronic apparatus further comprises a cable.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 1, wherein the bay comprises at least one peripheralcard slot.
 6. An electronic device, comprising: a bay adapted to receivea structure, the bay having an interface therein adapted to engage asuitable connector; and an electronic apparatus adapted to reside in thebay, the electronic apparatus lacking said suitable connector, whereinthe electronic apparatus is not an USB hub.
 7. The electronic device ofclaim 6, wherein the electronic apparatus comprises an input device forthe electronic device.
 8. The electronic device of claim 6, wherein theelectronic apparatus further comprises a cable.
 9. The electronic deviceof claim 6, wherein the bay comprises at least one peripheral card slot.10. An apparatus, comprising: a chargeable structure adapted to residein a bay of an electronic device, wherein the chargeable structure isconfigured to couple only to a power portion of an electrical interfacein the device bay such that the chargeable structure is charged when itresides in the device bay.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein thepower portion comprises at least two power pins.
 12. The apparatus ofclaim 10 wherein the chargeable structure comprises a battery.
 13. Theapparatus of claim 10 wherein the bay comprises at least one peripheralcard slot.
 14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the chargeablestructure comprises an input device for the electronic device.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the chargeable structure is a controldevice configured to function with the electronic device.
 16. Theapparatus of claim 10, wherein the chargeable structure comprises abattery charger.
 17. An electronic device, comprising: a bay adapted toreceive a structure, the bay having an electrical interface thereinadapted to engage a suitable connector; and a chargeable structureadapted to reside in the bay, wherein the chargeable structure isconfigured to couple only to a power portion of an electrical interfacein the bay such that the chargeable structure is charged when it residesin the bay.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17 wherein the powerportion comprises at least two power pins.
 19. The electronic device ofclaim 17 wherein the chargeable structure comprises a battery.
 20. Theelectronic device of claim 17 wherein the bay comprises at least oneperipheral card slot.
 21. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein thechargeable structure comprises an input device for the electronicdevice.
 22. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the chargeablestructure comprises a control device configured to function with theelectronic device.
 23. The electronic device of claim 22, wherein thecontrol device comprises one of a remote control and a game controller.24. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the chargeable structureis a battery charger.
 25. An apparatus, comprising: a storage structureadapted to reside in a bay of a first electronic device, the device bayhaving an interface adapted to connect to a suitable connector, thestorage structure lacking said suitable connector.
 26. The apparatus ofclaim 25, wherein the storage structure is configured to store at leastone memory medium readable by the first electronic device.
 27. Theapparatus of claim 25, wherein the storage structure is configured tostore at least one cable.
 28. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein thestorage structure is configured to store office supplies.
 29. Theapparatus of claim 25, wherein the storage structure is configured tostore at least one memory medium readable by a second electronic device.30. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the bay comprises at least oneperipheral card slot.
 31. An electronic device, comprising: a bayadapted to receive a suitable structure, the bay having an interfacetherein adapted to connect to the suitable connector; and a storagestructure adapted to reside the bay, the storage structure lacking saidsuitable connector.
 32. The electronic device of claim 31, wherein thestorage structure is configured to store at least one memory mediumreadable by the electronic device.
 33. The electronic device of claim31, wherein the storage structure is configured to store at least onecable.
 34. The electronic device of claim 31, wherein the bay comprisesat least one peripheral card slot.
 35. A game controller, comprising: afirst portion comprising an interface; a second portion comprising aninterface; and a hinge configured to enable the first portion and thesecond portion to move with respect to one another.
 36. The gamecontroller of claim 35, wherein the first portion and the second portionmove between an open position and a closed position.
 37. The gamecontroller of claim 36, wherein the first portion and the secondportion, when in the closed position, can reside a bay of an electronicdevice.
 38. The game controller of claim 36, wherein the first portionand the second portion, when in the closed position, are insertable intoa pair of peripheral card slots.
 39. The game controller of claim 35,wherein the interface of the first portion comprises a directionalcontrol.
 40. The game controller of claim 35, wherein the interface ofthe second portion comprises at least one command button.
 41. The gamecontroller of claim 35, comprising a battery compartment.
 42. The gamecontroller of claim 41, wherein the battery compartment is in the hinge.43. The game controller of claim 41, comprising at least one charginginterface.
 44. The game controller of claim 35, comprising a cable andconnector.